Streaming Defenses: Week 15 Targets

Mike is an IDP veteran, writing about and ranking IDP for over six seasons. He finished 6th in overall IDP rankings and 1st overall In LB rankings in 2014 at FantasyPros. When he's not poring over IDP depth charts, he can be found agonizing over his Cleveland sports teams.

When it comes to drafting a defense, I’m not someone to start the run. I’d rather wait until the end of the draft and play the defense with the great matchup. This practice is commonly known as streaming defenses. Every week, you target a mediocre defense with a great matchup against a weak QB or offensive line.

We have been writing this streaming feature for seven years -- offering readers several available-on-the-waiver-wire defense picks each week -- and they averaged DT5, DT6, DT7, DT10, DT8 and DT7 numbers from 2009 to 2015. Generating top 10 DT numbers off the waiver wire allows fantasy owners to basically ignore the position on draft day, instead focusing on more important areas during the draft.

Generally, defenses have to be available on the waiver wire in at least 40% of Yahoo fantasy leagues to be eligible. This ensures we are talking about defenses that are readily available.

Last week, the Atlanta Falcons finished with 29 fantasy points against the Rams, putting them on the board as the DST1. Through 14 weeks, our suggestions are averaging nearly 11 fantasy points per game.

As always, continue to target a defense with a home matchup or facing a below average or rookie QB. Week 15 is here, so let’s take a look at who we’re targeting this week:

If the Bills are on your wire, this would be my top streaming option if you’re looking to get a defense for this week.

Kyle Williams and Marcel Dareus are both licking their chops at the thought of facing Cleveland’s offensive line this week. The Browns are allowing multiple sacks per game, so I’m projecting both of these guys to get at least one each this week. Williams is getting pressure up the middle and he’s produced 13 QB hits this season.

Lorenzo Alexander has been the big play edge rusher, leading the team with 10 sacks. He’s another big play defender that I’m projecting to snap out of his sack-less slump. Alexander also has 17 QB hits and has helped turn the ball over three times. Zach Brown leads the team in tackles with 122 and has been responsible for three turnovers himself.

Stephon Gillmore leads the Bills with five INTs and Nickell Robey has two, as well.

RGIII didn’t look any better than the other “quarterbacks” the Browns have rolled out this season, showing inaccuracy and a propensity for holding the ball too long. The Bills are in a great spot to put up points, facing a Browns offense that’s allowing the second-most aFPA to opposing defenses and are available in 40 percent of leagues.